QS – If you are a die-hard fan of the color black, here is an interesting blog that explores the psychology behind wearing black clothes.
Black is bold, black is distinct, black draws attention, and black is powerful. Colors play an important role in our lives. Each of us is attracted to a particular color and its secret lies hidden in our psychology. We feel that a few colors look better on us than the rest or that our personality is accentuated by a particular color. Although some cultures associate the color black with mourning, in the modern world the color black is used to make a style statement.
A famous saying by Christian Dior rings a bell in the mind, “You can wear black at any time, at any age, and for almost any occasion.”
So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at the various aspects that make us feel hooked to the color black. In this post, we have collated five reasons that explore the psychology behind wearing black clothes.
Table of Contents
Black color’s evolution in fashion
In the 14th century, black dyes of good quality were developed for the first time. This made the color black expensive, so they were usually used by royal families and elite members of society. Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth I were seen wearing black gowns on special occasions.
The iconic fashion mogul, Coco Chanel created a new line of black dresses only in 1927. Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn’s black dress in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s became a highly sought-after fashion trend of those times. Hollywood has largely contributed to making the color black a raging success by releasing movies like Men In Black, Black Widow, Black Panther, and many more.
Fast-forward to the present era and black is a popular choice from board-room meetings to romantic dates.
Benefits of wearing black
People wear black clothes for the following merits.
- Black makes you look slimmer.
- The color black helps you blend in easily.
- Black color keeps you warmer as it absorbs and retains more heat from sunlight.
- Wearing black helps you exude power, class, and confidence.
- Black color suits all occasions.
5 reasons explaining your psychology behind wearing black clothes
Different colors stimulate people’s brains in various ways.Let’s learn more about color psychology and what is the psychology behind wearing black color clothing.
1. Color black conveys credibility
The color black is usually associated with qualities like credibility, reassurance, and confidence. Numerous studies show that people who wear black color clothes are regarded as serious and reliable. These are especially sought-after qualities in the business world.
Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs preferred dressing in black color clothes. In fact, he was known to repeat the same black outfit to work to reduce decision fatigue and enhance his performance at work.
2. Women prefer dressing up in black
Women in business often wish to be taken seriously; hence dressing up in black seems to be a convenient option. A study was conducted with women in black clothes. Throughout the study, 64% of men agreed that women in black oozed confidence and appeared more reassuring.
3. Personality traits associated with the color black
The color black is sexy. In a survey conducted by an online UK-based retail supplier Buytshirtsonline, black was the most purchased color. The buyers rated the color to be associated with personality traits like confidence, intelligence, attractiveness, and sensitiveness.Among thousand participants, most of them preferred wearing black outfits to weddings, interviews, meetings, and even dates.
People trying to wear black clothes frequently have the following personality traits or qualities.
- They are sensitive and want to protect themselves from any vulnerability.
- They like to keep their emotions guarded.
- People with high confidence like to wear black clothing.
- All-black wardrobe is a symbol of power and motivation.
- People who love to don black garments tend to be authoritative and serious.
- The color black attracts attention.
- Lovers of the color black are independent-minded.
4. C Color Ideology
According to C Color Ideology, millions of colors are identified in the C Color database and can be classified into the four distinct C Color Spectrum. Each C Color Spectrum comprises the predominant base of one of the primary colors – red, blue, or green. All individuals fall in one of the four C Color Spectrum owing to a color gene in their DNA.
5. Influence of the color black on hormones& neurotransmitters
Black is a power color and numerous studies conducted on people have elicited specific responses from them. In a study, participants were shown different colors, and their fMRI scans were taken.
When participants were shown red, blue, and green colors, their dopamine levels increased. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. It is responsible for the feel-good mood. On the other hand, the color black reduced dopamine levels and increased adrenaline in the participants.
Parting Thoughts
So, you explored the various reasons influencing the psychology behind wearing black clothes. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog if you are a fan of the color black. If you know someone who loves the color black, then do share this post with them.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Wearing black
What does wearing black mean in psychology?
A preference to wear black color shows that you are sensitive, authoritative, confident, and powerful. It reflects that you like recognition and distinction. Read this post to gain more ideas on this.
What does wearing the color black say about your personality?
If you wear the color black it enhances your personality, makes you look powerful, commanding, and serious.
Is wearing all black weird?
No, the color black is professionally accepted, and having an all-black wardrobe doesn’t show that you are weird. It rather enhances your personality.
Does wearing all-black make you hotter?
Black color outfits do make you look slim and sleek, and hence enhances your sexual appeal but the color black also absorbs more heat from sunlight. Hence it can make you feel hotter during the summer season.
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Nice write up. Maybe you can do a similar post on whites as well.
Yeah will do that when I have some time! Thanks for letting me know.